Just 87 Yards

by Gary Toebben

The Coalition to Fix LAX NOW is excited about two victories in the effort to finally modernize the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Recently the Board of Airport Commissioners (BOAC) voted 6-1 to support an LAX modernization plan that includes separating the north runways by an additional 87 yards. Soon thereafter, the City Planning Commission (CPC) concurred and voted unanimously to support the BOAC plan to provide Los Angeles with the world class airport we deserve. 

Even with these two major steps forward, several more votes are necessary to ensure that this economic engine that creates thousands of jobs and means billions of dollars to our local economy will be competitive, safe and efficient in the future.

Within the next 30-45 days, the L.A. City Council's Planning and Land Use Committee and the Trade, Commerce and Tourism Committee will consider the BOAC and CPC recommendations. During the same time period, the Los Angeles County Regional Planning Commission will sit as the Air Land Use Commission (ALUC) to consider the proposal. The final decision will be made by the full L.A. City Council.

This is one of the most critical public policy decisions that will be made in Southern California in the next century. With the approval of a runway separation of 87 yards, we can put into place a visionary plan to modernize our terminals and connect public transit directly to LAX. We can also create thousands of new jobs by making LAX safer, more efficient and more competitive. 

Polling shows that 74 percent of L.A. City voters support the LAX modernization plan. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Please call, email, or write your elected officials to voice your support for the BOAC modernization plan, which moves the north runway 87 yards, less than the distance of a football field. Our future depends on it.

And that's The Business Perspective.